US Navy contracts Raytheon for F/A-18 ATFLIR pod repairs

The U.S. Navy has awarded Raytheon a $56.4 million contract for repair works on the Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared System used on the navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornets.

ATFLIR is a targeting pod used on F/A-18s for electro-optical/infrared imagery and target detection for air-to-air and air-to-ground mission support.

It provides the capability to detect, classify, and track, both air-to-air, and air-to-surface targets utilizing a third-generation mid-wave infrared detector.

The system is used for precision strike warfare employing laser-guided bombs, global positioning system-guided weapons and freefall bombs, forward air control (airborne), close air support, low altitude night navigation and battle damage assessment.

Raytheon will perform most of the work under the contract in McKinney, Texas and work is expected to be completed by December 2018.